US President Donald Trump has said he wants to use American cities as training grounds for the military.
In an unusual address to hundreds of military leaders assembled from across the world, Trump described civil disturbances as the enemy from within. He added that the situation won't get out of control once you're involved.
It comes after Trump deployed National Guard troops to Washington DC, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, in a crackdown on crime and to support immigration enforcement.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also spoke, declaring an end to woke culture at the Pentagon and announcing new male-level, physical fitness standards for military officials.
The president repeated his criticism of Democratic-led cities including San Francisco, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles and indicated he would continue his policy of using military for law enforcement.
They're very unsafe places and we're going to straighten them out one by one, he said, adding that it would be a major part for some of the people in this room.
It's a war from within. Controlling the physical territory of our borders is essential for national security. We can't let these people in, he added.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker accused Trump of using military troops and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to invade and disrupt US cities.
Security was extremely tight for the address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, with an impressive turnout of senior military leaders. Trump further discussed a newfound focus on fitness, ability and character in the military as part of these reforms, stating, It's to protect our country. We will not be politically correct when it comes to defending American freedom.
